When he departed from the Broncos’ locker room at Invesco Field at Mile High an hour after a loss to Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game Jan. 22, center Tom Nalen – one of the greatest offensive linemen in team history – wondered whether he was leaving for the last time.
His contract was voiding and at 34, Nalen didn’t know what his future held. The wondering is over.
Nalen will finish his career with the Broncos after agreeing to a three-year contract extension late Tuesday night following an intense evening of negotiations. He signed the deal Wednesday.
“I’m very happy,” Nalen said. “I had a lot of fun last year and I’m glad to be back. This contract will put me at 37, 38 at the end, and I’d like to play three more years.”
Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said retaining Nalen was important because of his on-field ability and his place in the team’s history. Nalen developed into a premier player and the anchor of one of the best offensive lines in the NFL after being a seventh-round pick in 1994.
“We wanted to ensure a player who meant so much to this organization would finish his career here,” Sundquist said. “That meant a lot to everyone here. Our offense literally starts with Tom.”
Denver’s top remaining free- agent priorities are left tackle Matt Lepsis, defensive tackle Gerard Warren, running back Ron Dayne and linebacker Keith Burns.
Sharpe weighs in on T.O.
Former Broncos tight end and current NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe chimed in on Denver’s flirtation with receiver Terrell Owens on a Sirius NFL radio show.
Sharpe appeared with former Denver star Terrell Davis, who reiterated his opinion that the Broncos should stay away from Owens.
“The old saying is that if you’ve got a rat problem, you don’t buy a snake to cure it,” Sharpe said. “You come up with another means to remedy the problem.”
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan had a preliminary meeting with Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus on Monday. The Broncos likely will wait before deciding whether to seriously pursue Owens. Other teams expected to show interest include Kansas City, Washington, Miami and Tampa Bay. Washington, though, is facing major salary- cap issues.
Footnotes
Former New York Jets quarterback coach Jeremy Bates is likely to sign a contract soon to become a Broncos offensive assistant. Bates worked under new assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger last season with the Jets….Linebacker D.J. Williams appeared in Douglas County Court on two counts of driving under the influence, but for the third time his pre-trial hearing was continued, until Feb. 27. Williams’ lawyer told the court that he and the district attorney’s office are close to a settlement.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
